Get ready to travel through the most captivating scenery and ancient treasures of the United Kingdom. Getting a UK visa is crucial for any prolonged visit, regardless of your reason for visiting. This comprehensive book gives you the information required to start your UK trip, covering everything from the application process to offering insights into getting a
UK tourist visa from Dubai or any other location.
What is a Long-Term Visitor Visa to the UK?
The Long-term UK Visitor Visa is intended for people who want to often travel to the UK for leisure, vacation, or to meet friends and family. Several other UK visa categories, including the Visa for Private Medical Treatment, Visa for Visiting Child, Approved, Destination Status, Sports Visitor, Prospective Entrepreneur, Business, and Entertainer Visitor visas, have been replaced by this one.
Is it necessary to apply for a long-term Visitor Visa to the UK?
There are three
types of long term UK tourist visas(two years, five years and ten years). You must apply for a long-term visitor visa if you are not from the European Union and intend to stay in the UK for more than six months.
Even if you are given a long-term UK visitor visa for ten years, it is crucial to remember that these visas are not work permits and do not allow you the ability to work in the UK. Most importantly,
UK tourist visa extension is not applicable in all visitor visa categories.
What are the requirements to be eligible for a long-term visitor visa to the UK?
- You must be a citizen of a nation outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to be eligible for a long-term visitor visa to the United Kingdom.
- Possess sufficient funds to sustain oneself while visiting the UK without working or relying on handouts.
- Possess a valid return ticket and passport.
How Can I Apply for a Long-Term Visitor Visa to the United Kingdom?
The application procedure for a visa is the same as it is for any other visa to the UK.
You need to fill out an application form and submit the required documents. You will need to submit the following information with your online application:
- When do you wish to travel to the UK and on what dates?
- What lodging arrangements do you have for the visit?
- What will be the cost of your trip?
- What is your current address?
- How long have you lived there?
- Information on any previous offences you may have had.
- You may be asked to attend an interview at the British High Commission or Embassy.
Note that the application procedure for a long-term UK tourist visa is unaffected by the new
UK points based immigration. It is however based on specific requirements centred on visitor eligibility and trip purpose.
What Documents must be submitted for the Application for a Long-Term Visitor Visa to the UK?
- a valid passport for the duration of your visit to the United Kingdom. Your Standard Visitor visa requires a blank page in your passport.
- A valid return ticket or documentation of continued travel.
- Bank statements, paychecks, and money exchange receipts are examples of documentation certifying the fact that you have enough money to cover your lodging and living expenses while visiting the UK.
- Evidence of your sincere intentions to visit the UK, like a letter of invitation from a friend or relative.
- Any other documents you need to submit with your application for a long-term UK visitor visa, including a marriage license if you are visiting a spouse or partner.
How Do You Write a Supporting Letter for a Long-Term UK Visitor Visa?
You must submit your application form and a supporting letter if you are looking for a long-term UK visitor visa.
The purpose of your visit to the UK and the duration of your stay should be covered in your supporting letter. It should additionally contain the following details:
- Name, address, and number from your passport.
- The reason for your visit, along with information about any family relationships or employment obligations in the UK.
- When and where do you intend to stay in the UK for the duration of your visit?
- Your financial situation, including evidence that you can pay for your travel and lodging while you are there.
- A proof of employment and a place to return to once your time in the UK ends are examples of the kinds of documentation you should present to demonstrate your connections to your home nation.
How much does a long-term UK Visitor visa cost?
The cost of the visas varies according to how long you plan to stay.
- There is a £100 charge for a six-month Standard Visitor visa. It costs £200 for an 11-month stay to obtain a Standard Visitor visa for medical purposes.
- For educators, a 12-month Long-term Standard Visitor visa costs £200.
- A 2-year UK visitor visa costs £376 for each six-month visit.
- A 5-year Long-term UK Visitor Visa costs £670 for six months.
- A 10-year Long-term UK Visitor Visa costs £837 for stays of up to six months.
How long does it take to process a long-term visit visa?
The Immigration Office processes all visa applications. It takes up to six weeks to process a UK Visitor visa.
What Takes Place I Submit My Application?
After submitting your online application for a long-term UK visitor visa, you will be required to make an appointment at the British Embassy or High Commission to present biometric data (fingerprints and a digital picture). You can bring any extra supporting documentation or letters to your interview if you have any that you did not include with your application for a long-term UK visitor visa.
What Happens After My Application is Approved?
If your application for an extended-stay UK visitor visa is granted, you will be sent a confirmation letter. For as long as your Long-term UK Standard Visitor Visa is in effect, this will contain your visa documents and a vignette (sticker) in your passport. It is recommended that you finish the application three months before the departure date of your planned vacation. By addressing the
UK visa FAQ, you can prepare yourself for a seamless journey to the UK.
FAQ about Long-Term Visitor Visas to the UK
- Which activities are allowed under the UK Long-Term Visitor visa?
Candidates should keep in mind that once in the UK, they are permitted to engage in the travel and family visitation activities listed on their long-term UK visitor visa.
- For what kinds of activities is the UK Long-Term Visitor Visa not valid?
You cannot work, study, or form a partnership without applying for an appropriate visa.
- How long is a UK Visitor visa valid?
A Visitor visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months.
- If you travel to the UK with a visitor visa, how much bank balance must you keep?
There’s no minimum quantity specified. A daily budget of one hundred to one hundred and fifty pounds is preferable.
- Is it possible for me to change my visa category?
While in the UK, changing from a long-term Visitor visa to another
UK visa type is not permitted. You must go back to your home country and apply for the necessary visa there if you want to remain in the UK for reasons like employment or education.
- Can I bring family members with me if I have a long-term tourist visa to the UK?
If they are eligible, family members can travel with the primary applicant on a long-term UK visitor visa.
